Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Project Number:

AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B

Project description

The AIR6000 – Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) (previously known as the New Air Combat Capability Project) aims to introduce the F-35A JSF capability that will meet Australia's air combat needs out to 2030 and beyond. AIR6000 Phase 2A/B of the project is approved to acquire 72 Conventional Take-Off and Landing F-35A JSF aircraft to establish three operational squadrons, a training squadron and necessary supporting/enabling elements to replace the F/A-18A/B Hornet capability.The expansion of scope from the 14 aircraft and associated support reported last year was approved by Government in April 2014.

Lockheed Martin is contracted to the United States (US) Government for the development and production of the F-35A JSF. The aircraft and associated support systems are being procured through a government to government co-operative agreement with the US and JSF partner nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and Turkey. Japan, Israel and the Republic of Korea are also procuring the F-35A JSF through US Foreign Military Sales agreements.

Deliverable

Original Planned

Achieved / Forecast

Notes

Project year of commencement

Nov 2009

Initial Materiel Release

Oct - Dec 2020

Dec 2020

Initial Operational Capability (IOC)

Dec 2020

Nov 2020

Variance due to the expected Low Rate Initial Production 10 aircraft deliveries being brought forward from December 2020 to November 2020 to support IOC declaration.

Final Materiel Release

Oct - Dec 2023

Aug 2023

Variance due to the expected aircraft 72 planned delivery brought forward from December 2023 to August 2023 to support FOC declaration.

Final Operational Capability (FOC)

Dec 2023

Oct 2023

Variance due to the expected aircraft 72 ferry to Australia in October 2023.